Ilya Bryzgalov

In a truly critical contest, the New York Islanders defeated the Philadelphia Flyers 4-1 on Tuesday night, putting the Flyers 7 points away from the Islanders, who now sit in in the 7th spot in the Eastern Conference. The loss snapped a seven-game winning streak at Nassau Coliseum.

After the Flyers committed an icing, took a timeout, and failed to get the puck deep when play continued, the Islanders rushed the puck up the other way. Colin McDonald found Michael Grabner streaking down the wing after a pick by Keith Aucoin. Grabner snapped it past starter Steve Mason to give the Islanders the 2-1 lead.

General Manager Paul Holmgren announced this afternoon that the Philadelphia Flyers have signed goaltender Steve Mason to a one-year extension worth $1.5 million. Mason was acquired in a deal with the Columbus Blue Jackets on April 3 for Michael Leighton and a 2015 third round pick.

The 24-year-old goaltender busted onto the NHL scene back in 2008. In his rookie season, he posted a 33-20-7 record with the Blue Jackets, posting ten shutouts, and owning an impressive .916 save percentage and a 2.29 goals against average.

Riding a four-game winning streak, the Flyers travel to The 'Peg where they take on a struggling Jets team. Winnipeg is losers of five straight, giving the Flyers a good opportunity to take advantage of their struggles and continue their march to the playoffs.

Riding a three-game winning streak, the Flyers look to make it four. They go to Toronto to face the Maple Leafs, who are also on a three-game run.